MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – A number of environmental concerns have surrounded the waste of disposable vapes over the last decade.
Citizens for a Safe and Clean Lake Superior (CSCLS) has held a nicotine vape recycling program since last winter, causing a breakthrough in this issue around Marquette County.
“About half a million disposable vapes are thrown away every day in the United States, and every single one of those units has a lithium battery, other electronic components, plastic parts, and all kinds of non-biodegradable hazardous wastes,” said Chris Miller-Crouse, outreach coordinator for the CSCLS. “Through our program in a little over a year we’ve kept 500 pounds of that waste out of our local environment.”
Beginning March 4, the Fire Station of Marquette started a partnership with the CSCLS, to fund a similar program for cannabis vapes. These specialized drop boxes are now stationed at the Peter White Public Library during regular hours and the Superior Watershed Partnership Climate Office on Wednesdays between noon and 4:00 p.m.
“It’s super simple, just come in and drop off your fully used and spent cannabis vapes,” said Fire Station Communications Director, Kasie Wilson. “We see this as a crucial step forward in environmental stewardship in the cannabis industry, and we’re really grateful to partner with these local organizations.”
Support from the Fire Station will open the doors for bi-monthly shipping and recycle processing of these products to lower Michigan.
Other partners included in the initiative include the Community Foundation of Marquette, Recycle 906, and Superior Watershed Partnership.
Nicotine vape recycling through the Citizens for a Safe and Clean Lake Superior program can be found at Kenny’s corner store in Marquette and Circle K gas stations around Marquette County.
